Olive You

November marks the olive harvest in Sicily, and the 38th annual Sagra dell’Ulivo (Olive Festival) in Pollina is currently underway. This weekend in the town that is not far from Cefalù on the edge of the Madonie Mountains, they are presenting cultural events including folk music, art exhibitions, and of course, olive- and olive-oil inspired gastronomy. The highlight of the four-day event is a parade that features processing horses and regional folk groups, all celebrating the wealth that olives have brought the people of this region over the centuries. There will be wine tastings and an opportunity to sample and purchase an array of products prepared from olives and olive oil from more than 20 stands. (N.B This photo was taken in July, so these olives pictured are far from being ready for harvest.)